As the crisp days of autumn arrive and the temperatures begin to fall, that familiar chill in the air reminds us that the heating season is just around the corner. Before the cold truly sets in, this is the perfect time to perform a few crucial maintenance checks on heating systems and insulation. A little proactive maintenance now can prevent angry calls from tenants throughout the winter.
It’s worth passing these tips onto tenants who have questions about optimising their space for cold weather.
Check thermostats
A thermostat controls the temperature of a tenant’s environment. Whether their utilities are included in their rent or not, it is beneficial to educate them on energy consumption. A smart thermostat can make all the difference in avoiding high energy bills. It can allow the tenant to set a heating schedule that suits them.
For example, if they are out all day for work and know they only need heat in the evenings, the thermostat can be set to accommodate this. In turn, this will reduce energy waste and lower bills.
Be proactive about your boilers
This time of year is perfect to check your boiler is in working order. That way, you can prevent any costly breakdowns over the course of the winter.
Read our blog, which details 5 signs your boiler is on the blink.
Bleed radiators
Over time, small pockets of air can accumulate within your central heating system and become trapped inside your radiators. This trapped air prevents hot water from circulating fully, leading to cold spots (often at the top of the radiator) and reducing its ability to heat the room effectively. Essentially, you're paying to heat a system that isn't working at its best.
By bleeding a radiator, you release this trapped air, creating space for the hot water to flow freely and allowing the radiator to heat up fully and evenly. This ensures you get the most heat for your money and keeps your home comfortably warm.
How to bleed a radiator:
- Turn off your central heating system completely and wait for the radiators to cool down.
- Safety first: Never attempt to bleed a hot radiator, as the water inside is scalding hot and under pressure.
- Find the bleed valve, which is typically a small, square or slotted screw located on one end of the radiator, usually near the top.
- Place a radiator key (or a flat-head screwdriver if the valve has a slot) onto the valve.
- Have a small cloth or container ready to catch any drips.
- Slowly turn the key counter-clockwise about a quarter to half a turn. You should hear a hissing sound as the trapped air escapes.
- Keep the valve open until the hissing stops and a steady stream of water begins to drip or run out. This indicates that all the trapped air has been released.
- Immediately turn the key back clockwise to close and seal the valve, being careful not to overtighten it.
- Once you’ve bled all the necessary radiators, check the pressure gauge on your boiler. It will likely have dropped slightly, so you may need to top up the pressure according to your boiler's instructions.
While bleeding radiators occasionally is normal, if you find you need to bleed them often, it's a sign that there might be an underlying issue within your heating system. This could indicate a leak somewhere that's drawing air into the system, and it would be wise to consult a qualified heating engineer to investigate.
Sort out your draughts
Uncontrolled airflow can make a room feel cold and negate the effect of a thermostat, as warm air is constantly pushed out and replaced by cold air from outside.
Systematically check for draughts around common culprits like:
- The perimeter of windows and doors.
- Letterboxes and keyholes.
- Gaps around pipework leading outside.
- Unused chimneys and vents.
If you’re looking for quick and inexpensive fixes, use draught excluders such as fabric snakes for the bottom of doors. You can also use weatherstripping with self-adhesive foam or rubber strips for window/door frames, and sealant/caulk to block small cracks and gaps. These simple measures are extremely cost-effective and can provide an immediate feeling of increased warmth.
Windows are another major weak point for heat loss, especially if they are single-pane. If a home still uses single-pane windows, upgrading to double or triple glazing is a significant investment that provides a substantial return in terms of comfort and efficiency.
These modern units use multiple panes of glass separated by an inert gas (like argon) to create highly effective insulation. This reduces heat loss, minimises cold spots near windows, and can also help reduce external noise.
Remember that even without major upgrades, small changes can make a noticeable difference. Installing heavy, thermal-lined curtains over windows and keeping them closed from dusk until dawn is an easy way to add an extra layer of insulation when you need it most. Combining this with effective draught-proofing can significantly impact how warm and cozy your home feels this winter.
Final thoughts
Taking the time this autumn to address these key areas is an investment that will pay off throughout the colder months. Letting agents using Fixflo can tell their tenants to report larger issues, such as defects causing things like draughts, using the portal. This is available in several different languages and requires images to help landlords and property managers to identify the problem more efficiently.
Don't wait for the first frost.
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